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Freiman's availability impacts A's playoff roster

Freiman's availability impacts A's playoff roster

9/6/13: Nate Freiman singles back up the middle, scoring Jed Lowrie to even the score at 3 in the bottom of the third inning

By Jane Lee
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MLB.com |

ANAHEIM -- Nate Freiman is one step closer to returning from an abdominal strain, though the infielder's setback doesn't bode well for his chances of earning a spot on the A's postseason roster.

That's why catcher Derek Norris has been instructed to take grounders at first base.

"I hope he doesn't have to factor into that position," manager Bob Melvin said on Tuesday. "It was just based on the fact that Nate is not active for us right now. Just having someone else take some ground balls."

Freiman, meanwhile, took part in tee work and soft toss on Tuesday afternoon, and he could potentially take batting practice inside the cages in the next few days. Whether he gets into a game before Sunday's regular-season finale is unknown, and if he's left off the postseason roster, the A's could very well end up taking three catchers.

Beyond that, Melvin isn't revealing anything about his roster for the American League Division Series. When asked if he could on Tuesday, the A's manager smiled and said, "Brandon Moss will be on the postseason roster."

Jane Lee is a reporter for MLB.com. Read her blog, Major Lee-ague, and follow her on Twitter @JaneMLB. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.